I've decided to add S12 steels in the mix earlier than planned. End plates are done and I'll be machining the changer and tuner housings along with the 10 string versions. It save me a bunch of machine setup time down the road.

ALSO: the latest thrilling episode of "Makin' Chips" can be now seen at Sierra's You Tube page.

Really enjoy the videos.
I was starting to wonder what you did with all those "chips".
Does the cooling fluid recycle/filter back through the unit? Is this the same CNC machine Tom Baker used for the earlier Sierras?

Ross Shafer

From:Petaluma, California

Posted 5 Aug 2017 10:47 am

I'm glad you like the vids Tom. Yes the coolant is goes into a sump and is pumped back up to cool again.

This is not the same machine that was used in the past at Sierra.

Stay tuned for more vids!

Jim Pitman

From:Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

Posted 7 Aug 2017 3:07 pm

I too like your name better than Sierra. I got your marketting jingle:
Shafer....is the...one steel to have.. when you're only having one.

memphislim

From:Austin, Texas

Posted 16 Aug 2017 7:35 am

Ross, the pedal attachment to the pedal rods looks unique on your new guitar too. Would you mind posting a few pics on these?

Ross Shafer

From:Petaluma, California

Posted 16 Aug 2017 9:51 am

memphislim wrote:

Ross, the pedal attachment to the pedal rods looks unique on your new guitar too. Would you mind posting a few pics on these?

Not at all Slim. This connection is an unabashed copy of the system used by one of my favorite steel builder Lamar Colvin. Super simple and easy to use.

memphislim

From:Austin, Texas

Posted 16 Aug 2017 9:54 am

I like it! Indeed, simple, elegant solution.

I now notice the leg adjustment slot. What other features are yet to be discovered?

steve takacs

From:beijing, china via pittsburgh

Posted 16 Aug 2017 10:20 am

The YouTube presentation was incredibly instructive. As presented by Ross, I was catapulted into the classroom of a "nutty professor" type who took pride in his creation. I was chuckling the whole way as he explained the magic going on.
.
At the end, I asked myself one question. How do guys like this do it?

Kudos to both Ross and his wife. A question for you.Ross; did you have to have the metal cutting machine made to your specations or was it a generic lathe?

Steve T: "Nutty Professor"..."chuckling all the way though"...that makes my day, thanks! While I hope the vids are somewhat informative, making them entertaining is definitely a priority. FYI, we'll be posting a couple vids soonly.

How do guys like me do this stuff? For me "how" is a direct result of why. I'm a make-a-colic, have been all my adult life...can't shake it. No 12 step programs for this jonz. It hasn't been updated in years, but you can see some of the other trouble this addiction has gotten me into here: www.six-ninedesign.com

The Machine is an "off the shelf" 1988 Matsuura MC510V milling machine. You'll see a lathe at some point in the video series.

Chris Templeton

From:The Green Mountain State

Posted 17 Aug 2017 3:51 pm

I spoke with Ross recently and he made me feel glad that he's taken on Sierra, along with his partner(s). I wish y'all the best for your success in the future-Chris_________________"The most expressive instrument"-Jerry Byrd

memphislim

From:Austin, Texas

Posted 17 Aug 2017 4:42 pm

Ross I knew there were plenty of features from the pics posted and your website. I just didn't see anything about the pedals anywhere and was just making sure we could all see all the features that may as of yet to be revealed.

Chris Templeton

From:The Green Mountain State

Posted 17 Aug 2017 6:17 pm

I have the relationships wrong. I am corrected:
"I have no ownership or partners. Sierra still solely owned by Ed Littlefield and there are no partners"- Ross_________________"The most expressive instrument"-Jerry Byrd

Ross Shafer

From:Petaluma, California

Posted 23 Aug 2017 5:51 am

Howdy all,
We posted a new "Makin' Chips" video on the Sierra You Tube page.

Due to the female mud wrestling included in this one, I'm issuing a parental warning not his one: Parents by all means let your little ones watch this!